Systems and methods for portable monitoring of incentive spirometry

ABSTRACT

A portable incentive spirometry monitoring device and method of use. The device connected to the base of an incentive spirometer and is capable of monitoring inspiration within the incentive spirometer. The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device has a user interface for inputting a variety of different parameters, including a desired air volume, as well as attempt thresholds. Results can be stored such that medical personnel can review attempts by a patient to monitor therapeutic use, as well as encouraging patient use. The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device may be reused with different incentive spirometers without the need for extensive sterilization.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods tomonitor incentive spirometry. More particularly, the technology isdirected to a portable monitoring device configured to monitor use of anincentive spirometer and providing local feedback.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Postoperative pulmonary complications, including atelectasis, pneumonia,and respiratory failure, commonly arise in patients following majorcardiac, thoracic, and abdominal surgeries. Deep breathing exerciseshelp reduce postoperative pulmonary complications by improvingpostoperative lung expansion and ventilation. Incentive spirometry,designed to mimic natural yawning or sighing, is routinely prescribed byclinicians as a therapeutic strategy to encourage deep breathing.Incentive spirometry forces the patient to take long, deep breaths,which decreases plural pressure and increases lung expansion and gasexchange. Incentive spirometry is accomplished through use of anincentive spirometer, a device that provides feedback when a patientinhales at a predetermined volume for a minimum of five seconds.Inhalation results in the raising of a piston within the device, and asuccessful attempt is achieved when the piston raises to a set targetvolume.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments described herein are directed to systems and methods formonitoring incentive spirometry through a portable device.

In one embodiment, a method of monitoring incentive spirometry through aportable device includes: receiving a desired air volume through a userinterface; sensing an inspired air volume in an incentive spirometeroperationally connected to the portable device; determining whether theinspired air volume exceeds or is equal to the desired air volume; anddisplaying through a visual indication at the portable device, whetherthe inspired air volume exceeds or is equal to the desired air volume.

In embodiments, the desired air volume is based on a plurality ofmeasurements including height, sex, age, and weight. In someembodiments, sensing the inspired air volume comprises trackingdisplacement of a piston within the incentive spirometer. In someembodiments, sensing the inspired air volume comprises trackingdisplacement of a piston within the incentive spirometer over a definedperiod of time (e.g., years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes,seconds, etc.).

In some embodiments, recording of an attempt may start when an attemptthreshold is reached.

In one embodiment, a method for monitoring incentive spirometercompliance includes: receiving a desired air volume through a userinterface; sensing an inspired air volume in an incentive spirometeroperationally connected to the portable device during a period of time;determining whether the inspired air volume exceeds or is equal to thedesired air volume during the period of time; incrementing a countereach time the inspired air volume exceeds or is equal to the desired airvolume during the period of time; summating a plurality of incrementsduring the period of time; and displaying, through a visual indicationat the portable device, an output summation of the plurality ofincrements during the period of time.

In embodiments, the desired air volume is based on a plurality ofmeasurements comprising at least one of sex, height, age, and weight,among other measurements. In some embodiments, sensing the inspired airvolume comprises tracking displacement of a piston within the incentivespirometer. In some embodiments, the visual indication displays aplurality of parameters including attempts, successes, a goal, elapsedtime, maximum volume, and minimum volume. In some embodiments, anattempt is recorded when an attempt threshold is reached.

In one embodiment, a device for monitoring incentive spirometrycomprises: a user interface through which a desired air volume is input;a sensor measuring inspired air volume in an incentive spirometeroperationally connected to the portable device by tracking displacementof a piston within the incentive spirometer; a processor incrementing acounter each time the piston has been displaced up to or exceeding thedesired air volume; and a display presenting a visual indication of thenumber of times the piston has been displaced up to or exceeding thedesired air volume.

In embodiments, the user interface comprises a plurality of switches,where a switch may increment or decrement the desired air volume. Insome embodiments, the sensor measures an inspired air volume by trackingtime a time of flight of the piston through a light signal. In someembodiments, the sensor measures the inspired air volume by tracking thetime of flight of a piston through a sound signal.

In embodiments, the display presents a plurality of parameters includingat least one of an attempt, a success, a goal, an elapsed time, amaximum volume, and a minimum volume. In some embodiments, the displayis a LCD screen. In some embodiments, the display is a plurality ofLEDs. Audible indicators, such as a buzzer, may be included in variousembodiments. In some embodiments, the portable device is operationallyattached to the incentive spirometer. In some embodiments, the portabledevice is operationally detached from the incentive spirometer.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only,and merely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings areprovided to facilitate the reader's understanding of various embodimentsand shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, orapplicability of the present disclosure. It should be noted that forclarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily madeto scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example incentive spirometer.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example environment in which embodiments of thedisclosure may be implemented.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example portable monitoring device according toembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an operational flow diagram illustrating various operationsthat may be performed in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example connection with supplementary computerdevices in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example of a computing component that can be used inconjunction with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosureto the precise form disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems andmethods for monitoring incentive spirometry through a portable device tofacilitate self-administration and patient participation. Incentivespirometry is designed to expand lung capacity by forcing a user tobreath sustained deep breaths. Use of an incentive spirometer is oftenprescribed by medical personnel following surgery to preventpost-operative complications, as well as for many respiratory diseases(e.g., pneumonia). As used herein, the term “incentive spirometry”refers to spirometry performed by an individual using an incentivespirometer.

The effectiveness of incentive spirometry for the prevention ofpostoperative pulmonary complications, or for hindering the progressionof many respiratory diseases, is dependent on thorough providerinstruction and sustained patient participation. Providers agree thatbest results are obtained when the device is used consistently.Insufficient self-administration can prevent the resolution ofcomplications leading to prolonged hospital stays, high readmissionrates (that are not reimbursed by insurance or hospital), and increasedhealthcare costs. Incentive spirometers with visual and auditory markerswere introduced recently to encourage patient participation, but havehad little effect. Furthermore, as hospital admissions increase, medicalpersonnel have less time to spend with each patient to monitor regularincentive spirometer use. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for adevice capable of tracking patient incentive spirometer use andproviding feedback that encourages further use. The systems and methodsdisclosed herein provide a way to meet this need by efficiently trackinguser compliance, and by notifying medical personnel of that achievement.

Embodiments of the technology discussed herein provide a mechanism forefficiently tracking user compliance, and notifying medical personnel ofthat compliance. User compliance may be monitored by a portablemonitoring device that tracks the inspired air volume by a user,processes that information by comparing it to a desired air volumeinputted by medical personnel, and displays a visual indication ofresults of the comparison. The term “medical personnel” as used hereinincludes nurses, doctors, physician assistants, researchers, or otherpersons monitoring incentive spirometry.

FIG. 1 depicts an example incentive spirometer 100 within the prior art.The technology disclosed herein enables greater functionality formedical professionals and users. As illustrated, incentive spirometer100 may include, for example, an inhalation tube 102 with a mouthpiece104, a handle 106, a base 120, an air chamber 108, a piston 110 withinthe air chamber 108, an adjustable marker 112, an indicator 114 inside aseparate chamber 116 to indicate whether the user is inhaling toorapidly, and a base 120.

When a user inspires through the inhalation tube 102 (via the mouthpiece104 in the illustrated example), the piston 110 within the air chamber108 rises, indicating a volume of air the inspired. The volume of airinspired, as used herein, is the total volume of air inhaled into (orexhaled from) the lungs during a single breath. The adjustable marker112 may be positioned to indicate, for example, the volume of air theuser should reach/attain through inspiration when using the device. Theadjustable marker 112 may also indicate, for example, the maximum volumeof air achieved by the user through inspiration. The separate chamber116 located next to the air chamber 108 identifies to the user whetherhe or she is inhaling too quickly by moving the indicator 114 housedwithin the separate chamber 116 upwards or downwards. Markers 118located on the outside of the separate chamber 116 provide guidance tothe user, so that the he or she may inspire at a constant or otherwisedesired rate.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example portable monitoringdevice 200 in accordance with the technology disclosed herein. Theportable monitoring device 200 enables medical professionals to ensurepatient compliance using the incentive spirometer 100 at the deviceitself, eliminating the need for the communication of raw data to anetworked system for determination. As illustrated, the portablemonitoring device 200 in various embodiments may include a first switch204, a second switch 206, a sensor 208, a processor 210, an display 212,a plurality of LEDs 214, a rechargeable battery 216, charging pins 218,and a charging station 220 to which the portable monitoring device 200may be connected.

The first switch 204 and second switch 206 may be operatively connectedto a processor 210. The first switch 204 and second switch 206 maycomprise buttons, toggles, or any other components capable of receivinginput (e.g., tactile input) from a user. In various embodiments, thefirst switch 204 and second switch 206 may be used by medical personnelto input, for example, a desired air volume based on the user. As usedherein, the term “desired air volume” (or predicted goal, or goal) meansa standardized air volume based on the individual user's sex, weight,height, age, and/or other parameters specific to that individual user(e.g., past surgeries, smoking history, workout history, diabetes,history of cancer, other illnesses, etc.). In various embodiments, thedesired air volume may be an air volume between the range of about 250mL to about 3000 mL. The desired air volume could be represented as arange of volumes (for example, between about 450 mL and 475 mL) ordiscrete volume with some tolerance for variation in achieving thedesire air volume (for example, about 550 mL).

In various embodiments, medical personnel can use the first switch 204to increment the desired air volume, and the second switch 206 allows amedical personnel to decrement the desired air volume. In embodiments,the first switch 204 and second switch 206 may increment or decrementthe desired air volume by a range between about 1 mL to about 1000 mL,or from about 200 mL to about 2000 mL. In various embodiments, thedesired air volume may be incremented or decremented by a range betweenabout 250 mL to about 500 mL.

The amount of change caused by incrementing or decrementing may varybetween embodiments, depending on the level of precision required. Forexample, the desired air volume may be incremented by 50 mL at a time insome embodiments, or 1 mL at a time in other embodiments. A person ofordinary skill in the art would know how to vary the amount of increaseor decrease based on the needs of a particular implementation, and theexamples provided should not be interpreted as limiting the subjectmatter of this disclosure to any particular amount of variation in theincrement or decrement.

The first switch 204 and the second switch 206 may be pressed at thesame time in some embodiments to reset the desired air volume. Pressingthe first switch 204 and the second switch 206 simultaneously in suchsituations begins a command function to reset the desired air volume.Pressing the first switch 204 and the second switch 206 simultaneouslysends a signal to the processor 210, which is operatively connected tothe first switch 204 and second switch 206, to initiate a commandwhereby the processor 210 sends a signal to the LEDs 214, which areoperatively connected to the processor 210. Once the command is receivedby the LEDs 214, the LEDs 214 will begin blinking and the desired airvolume may then be inputted. If the LEDs 214 do not blink, the firstswitch 204 and second switch 206 may be simultaneously pressed again toresend the command. In embodiments, once the desired air volume is set,the first switch 204 and the second switch 206 may then be pressed andheld simultaneously to set the new desired air volume.

In embodiments, the first switch 204 and second switch 206 may bepressed simultaneously to reset the elapsed time. The reset of elapsedtime in this manner may occur simultaneously with resetting the desiredair volume as discussed above, while other embodiments may have thefirst time the switches are pressed at the same time reset the desiredair volume and a second time the switches are pressed at the same timeresets the elapsed time. In other embodiments, a time reset switch (notpictured) may be included to reset the elapsed time.

The switches 204, 206 may be configured to perform a variety offunctions of the portable monitoring device 200, some of which arediscussed above. In various embodiments, the switches 204, 206 may beconfigured, individually or in combination, to perform one or more ofthe following functions: increment/decrement desired air volume; set theminimum desired air volume; set one or more thresholds; control thedisplay 212; initiate a transfer of data from the portable monitoringdevice 200 to a remote location; among others. In various embodiments,additional switches may also be included in addition to the first switch204 and second switch 206.

In various embodiments, the actions of switches 204, 206 may varydepending on the function to be performed. For example, in someembodiments one or more switches may be configured to increment a valuewhen pressed, while holding the same switch may activate theconfiguration of thresholds. Non-limiting examples of the types ofactions which the switches 204, 206 may perform include pushing,holding, toggling, twisting, among other depending on the type of switchimplemented. In some embodiments, the switches 204, 206 may be differenttypes of switches. For example, in some embodiments first switch 204 maybe a toggle, capable of being flipped into one of two positions, whilethe second switch 206 is a rocker switch capable of being depressed inone or two directions continuously, returning to a neutral positionafter ever action. As another example, the first switch 204 may be apushbutton, the second switch 206 a toggle, and a third switch (notpictured) is a rotary or dial. The type of switch may indicate the typeof function a switch is capable of performing. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would understand the capabilities of different switchesand would know what type of switch to implement to perform the variousfunctions of the portable monitoring device 200 discussed above. Itshould be noted that the use of alternatives to physical switches arecontemplated. That is, the functionality one or more of the switchesdescribed herein, e.g., switches 204, 206, can be embodied using othermechanisms, for example, such as voice-activated switches/mechanismsthat can perform the aforementioned incrementing, decrementing, etc.vis-à-vis audio input.

Although examples of the functions of the first switch 204 and secondswitch 206 have been discussed with specific reference to eachrespective switch, a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that the modifiers “first” and “second” do not connote anypriority in positioning on the portable monitoring device 200, or inposition relative to each other.

Referring still to FIG. 2A, the portable monitoring device 200 includesone or more sensors 208. The sensors 208 are operatively connected tothe processor 210. In various embodiments, the sensors 208 may measurethe inspired air volume in the incentive spirometer 100 when theportable monitoring device 200 is connected to the incentive spirometer100. In various embodiments, the sensors 208 measure inspired air volumeby tracking the time of flight of the piston 110 within the air chamber108 of the incentive spirometer 100, when the portable monitoring device200 is connected to the incentive spirometer 100. The sensors 208 maytrack the time of flight through, for example, a light signal, includinglight signals transmitted from ambient, infrared, laser, or other lightemitting sources. The sensors 208 may also track time of flight through,for example, a sound signal. Once the inspired air volume has beenreceived by the sensors 208, the volumetric measurement of air may thenbe relayed to the processor 210. It is to be appreciated that thesensors 208 may track a plurality of time of flight measurements.

The sensors 208 may further include sensors for detecting a velocity atwhich air is inputted (i.e. through inhalation/inspiration) into theincentive spirometer 100. In various embodiments, the sensors 208 mayinclude sensors for detecting an acceleration of the piston within theincentive spirometer 100.

The portable monitoring device 200 may also include a processor 210. Theprocessor 210 may include circuits, such as logic or other circuits forone or more of receiving, processing, and/or storing content, data, orother information. The circuits may facilitate the receipt (e.g., asdata input) of such content, data, or other information, as well as thegeneration of such content, data, or other information by the portablemonitoring device 200. The circuits may further facilitate thetransmission or delivery of such content, data or other information bythe portable monitoring device 200. In embodiments, the processor 210may receive the desired air volume from the first switch 204 and secondswitch 206, and may also receive detected data form the sensors 208. Invarious embodiments, the processor 210 receives a plurality of time offlight measurements from the sensors 208. In embodiments, the processor210 converts the time of flight measurement into an inspired air volume.In embodiments, the processor 210 converts a plurality of time of flightmeasurements into inspired air volumes. The processor 210 may alsoreceive other types of sensed data, such as the velocity of air inputinto the incentive spirometer and the period in which air was inputtedinto the incentive spirometer. The processor 210 can include logic toanalyze the data received from the first switch 204, the second switch206, the sensors 208, and other components of the portable monitoringdevice 200 to calculate various metrics, including but not limited to:number of attempts; whether a patient succeeded per the parameters;compliance; maximum inspired air volume (i.e., max volume); minimuminspired air volume (i.e., min volume); acceleration of the piston;total time air input was within recommended levels; percentage of timespent within the acceptable ranges for a success; among others. Asdescribed herein, an “attempt” is registered when the piston 110 reachesa certain threshold in the air chamber 108. For example, the thresholdmay be entered as 250 mL; if the piston 110 reaches or exceeds 250 mL inthe air chamber 108, an attempt is registered. As described herein,“success” is registered when piston 110 in the air chamber 108 reaches(i.e., equals) or exceeds the threshold and desired air volume input bymedical personnel. As used herein, “compliance” is the summation ofsuccesses over a period of time (t).

As described herein, the terms “maximum inspired air volume,” or “maxvolume,” refer to a volume of air associated with the highest point thatpiston 108 reaches. In various embodiments, max volume may be trackedover a period of time. For example, the highest point that piston 108reaches over a period of, for example, 5 minutes, is the max volume. Asdescribed herein, the terms “minimum inspired air volume,” or “minvolume,” refer to the volume of air associated with the lowest pointthat piston 108 reaches. In various embodiments, min volume may betracked over a period of time. In various embodiments, the processor 210may present a visual output of the processed inspired air volume(s), aswell as other processed information (e.g., the desired air volume)through the LEDs 214 and/or display 212.

Portable monitoring device 200 may further include a memory 224 forstoring thresholds, desired air volumes, inspired air volumes, andvarious different measurements. In various embodiments, the memory 224may be a fixed or removable storage medium, such as, for example, a harddisk drive, a solid state drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical diskdrive, a compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD) drive, flashmemory, USB memory, or other form of fixed or removable storage medium.The type of storage medium may be dictated on the particularimplementation, based on performance and/or form factor requirementsthat a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand and know howto select the storage medium that is appropriate. In variousembodiments, the memory 224 may be computer-readable medium havingstored therein computer software or data for performing the variousfunctions of the portable monitoring device 200.

In embodiments, the portable monitoring device 200 such as the onedepicted in FIG. 2A may include a display 212. Non-limiting examples ofdisplay 212 include: a liquid-crystal display (LCD); an organic LCD(OLCD); a light emitting diode display (LED); an organic light emittingdiode display (OLED); digital light processing display (DLP); amongothers. The display 212 is operatively connected to the processor 210,and receives a information from the processor 210 that may be displayedto the user. Such information may include one or more of the following:desired air volume(s), inspired air volume(s) (e.g., attempts,successes, compliance, maximum inspired air volume, and minimum inspiredair volume); time elapsed (in units of hours, minutes, seconds, etc.);or other information that may be useful to the user or medical personnel(e.g., flow rate).

In various embodiments, a user or medical personnel may interact withthe display 212 screen. By way of example, such an display 212 may be atouchscreen that accepts various hand gestures as inputs.

As further depicted in FIG. 2A, embodiments of the portable monitoringdevice 200 may include a plurality of LEDs 214 (i.e., light emittingdiode). The LEDs 214 are operatively connected to the processor 210, andreceive information from the processor 210 that may be displayed to theuser and medical personnel. The LEDs 214 may be any one or more of thefollowing colors: red, green, blue, yellow, purple, white, black, andbrown, or any combination thereof of RGB. Let it be appreciated that thelist is not meant to be exhaustive, and more colors than the onesmentioned may be used. In various embodiments, the LEDs 214 are coloreddifferently, where a color signifies certain information to the user andmedical personnel. For example, in embodiments, the portable monitoringdevice may include two differently colored LEDs 214. One of the LEDs 214may be, for example, a red LED and may signify to the user and medicalpersonnel that the desired air volume input has not been achieved, whilethe other LED may be, for example, a green LED and may signify to theuser and medical personnel that the desired air volume has been met. Inembodiments, different combinations of colors may be used to signifydifferent achievements.

In various embodiments, the LEDs 214 may be configured to indicatewhether a patient has continued to comply with a recommended use overtime. For example, an LED 214 may remain green during the period wherethe patient has been using the incentive spirometer 100 as required, butturn another color if the patient fails to use the incentive spirometeras many times as necessary. In this way, medical personnel can seewhether a patient is using the incentive spirometer as scheduled,regardless of whether the patient has achieved the desired levels ofperformance.

The information represented by LEDs 214 discussed above could also bedisplayed on the display 212 in various embodiments.

Embodiments of the portable monitoring device may also include arechargeable battery 216. The rechargeable battery 216 is operativelyconnected by circuitry to one or more components of the portablemonitoring device 200 for supplying electric power. In embodiments, therechargeable battery 216 is recharged when operatively connected to thecharging station 220. Charging pins 218 located on one face of theportable monitoring device 202 interact with the charging station 220 toreceive the electrical current. The rechargeable battery 216 may beconsisted of any one of the following types: nickel cadmium,nickel-metal hybrid, lead acid, lithium ion, or lithium polymer.

The portable monitoring device 200 or components/features thereof may beimplemented in combination with, or as an alternative to, otherdevices/features/components described herein, such as those describedwith reference to other embodiments and figures. The portable monitoringdevice 200 may additionally be utilized in any of the methods for makingand/or using such devices/components/features described herein. Theportable monitoring device 200 may also be used in various applicationsand/or permutations, which may or may not be noted in the illustrativeembodiments described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the portable monitoring device 200 may beoperationally attached to the base 120 of an incentive spirometer 100.The portable monitoring device 200 has a top end, and a bottom end, andhas a face capable a displaying through a visual indication, a pluralityof user information. In embodiments, one face of the portable monitoringdevice 200 has charging pins 218 for charging the device. In otherembodiments, one or more charging ports (not pictured) may be includedto charge the portable monitoring device 200.

As illustrated, portable monitoring device 200 may include connecters230 that are configured to mate with the base 120 of the incentivespirometer 100. The top of the portable monitoring device 200 may becylindrical in shape, or may be round, square, rectangular, or acombination thereof. The connectors 230 may be mechanical and mayinclude, for example, screws, latches, Velcro, locks, snaps, buttons,magnets, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, theconnectors 230 may be adjustable components, allowing the portablemonitoring device 200 to mate with various different incentivespirometers that may have different shaped bases. The connectors 230 maycomprise any suitable component for connecting to a generic incentivespirometer. For example, in some embodiments the connectors 230 may beelbow-like latches comprising an arm configured to clamp onto the base120 and apply pressure in a downward direction to secure the base 120 tothe top of the portable monitoring device 200. As another example, theconnectors 230 may comprise component pairs configured to secure thebase 120 of the incentive spirometer 100 to the top of the portablemonitoring device 200, such as a strap and locking mechanism. A personof ordinary skill in the art would understand that a variety ofdifferent mechanisms may be used as connectors 230 and that the examplesabove are not meant to be limiting.

By utilizing a portable monitoring device 200 in accordance with thetechnology disclosed herein, medical personnel are capable of obtainingresults indicative of a patient's progress at the incentive spirometer,without the need to transfer the data to another location. Moreover,medical personnel have greater flexibility in administering therapythrough greater control over setting parameters and ensuring patientparticipation. The ability of connectors 230 to mate with a variety ofdifferent bases provides medical personnel with a single tool that canbe attached to augment any type of incentive spirometer on hand. Thislowers cost by facilitating the collection of relevant data for medicalpersonnel regardless of the incentive spirometer used by the patient.

Further, unlike current approaches to monitoring incentive spirometry,the technology disclosed herein is less complex, allowing medicalpersonnel to more reliably and efficiently ensure compliance by patientswith recommended therapy. Current approaches require connection to alaptop or other computer system, complex setups and equipment, andrequire patients to come to the office. The embodiments of thetechnology of this disclosure are capable of conducting the requiredanalysis locally at the incentive spirometer without the need forseparate equipment, resulting in a less complex system that is smallerand more portable. This makes it easier for medical personnel andpatients to view the incentive spirometer data at the device,eliminating the need to utilize other equipment. In some embodiments,the portable monitoring device may include a built in USB connector,enabling the portable monitoring device to be directly attached to acomputer after use to store or review data, or (as discussed above) tocharge the portable monitoring device.

Moreover, the technology of the present disclosure can be taken home bythe patient, facilitating better compliance by eliminating the need togo somewhere else to perform the spirometry. Embodiments of thetechnology may store monitoring data performed at the patient's home orother non-medical personnel environment, which can then be reviewed bythe medical personnel at the next meeting. The patient has thecapability to reset, reconfigure, and setup the portable monitoringdevice at home himself or herself, enabling multiple measurements to betaken and maintained together for review later.

Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein further reduce the needfor extensive sterilization techniques. Prior art monitoring solutionsallowing for capturing and storing information associated withspirometry require time consuming and/or intensive cleaning andsterilization techniques to enable reuse between patients. Sterilizationis required because these prior art solutions are more integrated withthe incentive spirometer. Monitoring devices in accordance with thetechnology disclosed herein, however, reduce the need for suchsterilization. The embodiments disclosed are compatible with cheaper,one-patient use incentive spirometers (that are not intended for reusewith another patient and, therefore, no need to sterilize). In this way,the monitoring device can be used in a fast and efficient manner withmultiple patients without the need for extensive sterilizationtechniques. For example, after use with one patient, a monitoring devicein accordance with the present disclosure can be removed from the firstincentive spirometer, cleaned with a disinfectant wipe, and coupled to asecond incentive spirometer for a second patient.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method in accordancewith the technology disclosed. At a high level, method 300 may beperformed to monitor incentive spirometry. The operations of the variousmethods described herein are not necessarily limited to the orderdescribed or shown in the figures, and one of skill in the art willappreciate, upon studying the present disclosure, variations of theorder of the operations described herein that are within the spirit andscope of the disclosure. Let it be appreciated that operations of method300 may be performed multiple times.

The operations and sub-operations of method 300 may be carried out, insome cases, by and/or using one or more of the components, elements,devices, and sub-components of portable monitoring device 200 and/orincentive spirometer 100 (including components thereof as describedabove), as described with respect to at least FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3-5,as well as components, elements, devices, and sub-components, depictedtherein and/or described with respect thereto.

In such instances, the description of method 300 may or may not refer toa corresponding component and/or element, but regardless of whether anexplicit reference is made, one of skill in the art will recognize, uponstudying the present disclosure, when the corresponding component and/orelement may be used. Further, it will be appreciated that suchreferences do not necessarily limit the described methods to theparticular component and/or element referred to. Thus, it will beappreciated by one of skill in the art that aspects and featuresdescribed above in connection with (sub-) components, elements, devices,and components, including variations thereof, may be applied to thevarious operations described in connection with method 300 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 3, aspects of the example method 300 formonitoring incentive spirometry are depicted. The portable monitoringdevice is connected to the incentive spirometer at operation 302. Atoperation 304, medical personnel may set the desired air volume for apatient. The desired air volume may be set as discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. The desired air volume may correspond tothe predicted goal of the user, and may represent a standardized airvolume based on a user's sex, weight, height, age, and/or otherparameters specific to an individual, including for example, BMI (i.e.,body-mass index), exercise history, smoking history, history of cancer,etc. The desired air volume may be an air volume between the range ofabout 250 mL to about 3000 mL. A person of ordinary skill in the artwould know that the desired air volume may vary within the range basedon the specifics of the therapy and the capacity of the incentivespirometer.

In various embodiments, the desired air volume is received from theincrementing of, by example, the first switch 204 and/or thedecrementing of the second switch 206 discussed with respect to FIG. 2B.For example, the first switch 204 may increment the desired air volumeas follows:

V _(ref) =V _(ref) +n(500 mL),

where V_(ref) is the desired volume amount and n is the number of timesthe first switch 204 is pressed. In the above example equation, theincrements are set at 500 mL. disclosed herein can have increments ofvarious size, depending on the level of specificity desired. The inversemay be used for the second switch 206, where the desired air volume isset as:

V _(ref) =V _(ref) −n(500 mL).

Although discussed with respect to first switch 204 and second switch206, this was merely an example of how the desired air volume may bereceived. In various embodiments, the desired air volume may be receivedthrough a different action of one or more switches of the device, asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 2A. A person of ordinary skillwould not view this recitation of setting the desired air volume aslimiting.

In various embodiments, a display of the portable monitoring device(such as display 212 of FIG. 2A, for example) may show the desired airvolume to the medical personnel to ensure that it is set correctly. Insome embodiments, LEDs or other indicators may be included in theportable monitoring device to indicate whether a desired air volume hasbeen set. For example, a green LED may indicate that the desired airvolume is set, while a red or yellow LED may indicate that the desiredair volume has not been set yet.

At operation 306, the inspired air volume of the user is captured. Auser inhales through the mouthpiece of the incentive spirometer asduring regular incentive spirometry. In various embodiments, theinspired air volume may be captured by one or more sensors of theportable monitoring device. The one or more sensors may be configured todetermine the inspired air volume through various means, including timeof flight of the piston within the air chamber as discussed above. Invarious embodiments, the inspired air volume may be detected through theuse of a light signal, a sound signal, or a combination of both.

At operation 308, the portable monitoring device stores the capturedvolume of inspired air in a memory or storage component of the portablemonitoring device, like the memory 224 of the portable monitoring device200 discussed with respect to FIG. 2A.

At operation 310, method 300 the portable monitoring device analyzes andprocesses the data obtained by the one or more sensors. In variousembodiments, processing an inspired air volume may include measuring anattempt. An attempt may be registered when the piston 110 reaches (i.e.,equals) or exceeds an attempt threshold. An attempt threshold could be aspecified air volume that may be between about 0 mL to about 1500 mL.For example, if the attempt threshold is 300 mL; an attempt isregistered if the piston reaches or exceeds 300 mL. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would know that the specified air volume of thethreshold may vary within the range based on the specifics of thetherapy and the capacity of the incentive spirometer

In embodiments, processing an inspired air volume may include measuringsuccess. A successful attempt may be registered when piston 110 reachesor exceeds the attempt threshold and reaches/exceeds the desired airvolume. For example, an attempt threshold may be 250 mL and a desiredair volume may be 1500 mL. In this example, a successful attempt will beregistered if the piston reaches/exceeds 1500 mL (meaning that thepiston had already passed the attempt threshold of 250 mL, registeringthis as an attempt). It is to be appreciated that more than one attemptmay be measured during a session, with a prior attempt being finishedwhen the piston returns to 0 mL and the next attempt beginning when theattempt threshold is reached or exceeded again. In various embodiments,more than one attempt and/or success may be measured over a period oftime. In various embodiments, the portable monitoring device may alsorecord failed attempts, failed attempts occurring when the pistonreaches or exceeds the attempt threshold but fails to reach the desiredinspired air volume.

In various embodiments, processing an inspired air volume at operation310 may include measuring compliance. In embodiments, compliance ismeasured by summating the number of successful attempts over a period oftime. For example, the number of successful attempts may be 7 and thetime elapsed may be 2 hrs; in this example, compliance will be

$\frac{7*V_{ref}}{2},$

where V_(ref) is the desired air volume and compliance is measured inmL/hr.

In some embodiments, processing an inspired air volume at operation 310may include registering a maximum inspired air volume. A maximuminspired air volume (i.e., max volume) refers to highest air volumereached over a period of time. In various embodiments, processing aninspired air volume may include registering a minimum inspired airvolume. A minimum inspired air volume (i.e., min volume) refers to thelowest volume reached during a valid attempt (i.e., where the piston hasreached or exceeded the attempt threshold) over a period time.

In various embodiments, more than one attempt may be measured over aperiod of time (t). In embodiments, the period of time (t) may be inunits of years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds, or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, processing at operation 310 may include measuringsuccess of an attempted inspiration (an inspired air volume during aperiod of time). Success (i.e., successful inspiration) may beregistered when piston 110 reaches or exceeds the certain threshold andreaches/exceeds the desired air volume. For example, a certain thresholdmay be 300 mL and a desired air volume may be 1400 mL; a success will beregistered if the piston reaches/exceeds 1400 mL. It is to beappreciated that more than one successes may be measured. In variousembodiments, more than one success may be measured over a period of time(t). In embodiments, the period of time (t) may be in units of years,months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds, or any combinationthereof.

A counter may be incremented when a success is registered during aperiod of time (t) at operation 310. In various embodiments, the periodof time (t) may be in units of years, months, weeks, days, hours,minutes, seconds, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,operation 310 may include summing the plurality of increments over theperiod of time (t).

In some embodiments, the following algorithm may be employed:

V_(acc)=ΣV_(i) _(c) , cϵ[0−p],

where V_(acc) is the accumulated inspired air volume, V_(i) _(c) is thevolume of inspired air following each successful attempt c. A timeperiod (t) may have as many as p successful attempts. Thus, each V_(i)represents the desired air volume set by the user (V_(ref)) at a giveninstant c for discrete events. The accumulated inspired air volume canthen be compared with the desired air volume V_(ref) to determinewhether a patient as achieved a desire air volume over time, or compliedwith the recommended therapy.

In various embodiments, the portable monitoring device can measure theinhale/respiratory rate of a patient. The inhale/respiratory ratemeasured how fast it takes for a single attempt (starting from when thepiston reaches the attempt threshold) to reach the desired air volume.For example, the inhale/respiratory rate may be calculated as:

${{RR} = \frac{\left( {V_{ref} - V_{threshold}} \right)}{t}},$

where RR is the respiratory rate and V_(threshold) if the attemptthreshold. The calculated RR can be used to calculate an averagerespiratory rate (RR_(avg)) for the patient over a number of successfulattempts, for example

${RR}_{avg} = {\frac{\sum{RR}}{\Delta \; t}.}$

At operation 312, the portable monitoring device can display the resultsof the processing operation. In some embodiments, the results displayedcould include, but is not limited to: attempt(s); success(es);compliance; maximum inspired air volume; and minimum inspired airvolume; or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, operation 312 may include displaying an elapsedtime. In embodiments, the elapsed time may be in units of years, months,weeks, days, hours, minutes, or seconds. In embodiments, the elapsedtime may be displayed by the display 212. In embodiments, the elapsedtime may be displayed by the plurality of LEDs 214.

In various embodiments, operation 312 may include displaying a desiredair volume. In embodiments, the desired air volume may be displayed bythe display 212. In embodiments, the desired air volume may be displayedby the plurality of LEDs 214.

There may be a need or want to maintain a record of the data and resultsobtained through the technology discussed herein. In variousembodiments, the portable monitoring device may include an interface totransmit data to a server for storage. FIG. 4 depicts exampleenvironment 400, which may be used in connection with implementingembodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and devices.

As shown in FIG. 4, environment 400 may include one or more of portablemonitoring devices 200, one or more mobile devices 440, and serversystem 430. Portable monitoring device 200 can be coupled to the one ormore mobile devices 440 and the server system 430 via communicationmedia 420. As will be described in detail herein, portable monitoringdevice 200, mobile device 440, and/or server system 430 may exchangecommunications signals, including information gathered from one or moreapplications supported by portable monitoring device 200, and otheraspects of content for display on portable monitoring device 200 viacommunication media 420.

Portable monitoring device 200 may communicate with other devices (e.g.,mobile device 440) and/or with one another over communication media 420with or without the use of server system 430. In various embodiments,portable monitoring device 200/or server system 430 may be used toperform various processes described herein and/or may be used to executevarious operations described herein with regard to one or more disclosedsystems and methods. Upon studying the present disclosure, it will beappreciated that environment 400 may include multiple portablemonitoring devices, mobile devices 440, communication media 420, serversystems 430, servers 432, processors 436, and/or storage 434. Moreover,interested parties (e.g., medical personnel, family members, etc.) maybe able to access the server systems 430 to read data and monitor thepatient. For example, a medical personnel (not pictured) may beconnected to server system 430 in a similar manner as the portablemonitoring device (discussed in greater detail below) using a mobiledevice 440, enabling the medical personnel to monitor the patient'sperformance remotely without the need for the patient and medicalpersonnel to be in the same location. Non-limiting examples of mobiledevice 440 include: smartphones; tablets; laptops; desktops; PDAs; amongother portable computing devices.

As mentioned, communication media 420 may be used to connect orcommunicatively couple portable monitoring device 200 and/or serversystem 430 to one another or to a network, and communication media 420may be implemented in a variety of forms. For example, communicationmedia 420 may include an Internet connection, such as a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a fiber optic network,internet over power lines, a hard-wired connection (e.g., a bus), andthe like, or any other kind of network connection. Communication media420 may be implemented using any combination of routers, cables, modems,switches, fiber optics, wires, radio (e.g., microwave/RF links), and thelike. Further, communication media 420 may be implemented using variouswireless standards, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3GPP standards (e.g., 2GGSM/GPRS/EDGE, 3G UMTS/CDMA2000, 4G LTE/LTE-U/LTE-A, 5G). Upon readingthe present disclosure, one of skill in the art will recognize otherways to implement communication media 420 for communications purposes.

Likewise, though not shown, it will be appreciated that a similarcommunication medium may be used to connect or communicatively coupleserver 432, processors 436, and/or storage 434 to one another, inaddition to other elements of environment 400. In example embodiments,communication media 420 may be, or include, a wired or wireless widearea network (e.g., cellular, fiber, and/or circuit-switched connection)for portable monitoring device 200 and/or server system 430, which maybe relatively geographically disparate; and in some cases, aspects ofcommunication media 420 may involve a wired or wireless local areanetwork (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, unlicensed wireless connection, USB,HDMI, and/or standard AV), which may be used to communicatively coupleaspects of environment 400 that may be relatively close, geographically.In various embodiments, server system 430 may be co-located with theportable monitoring device (e.g., in the same office, etc.), while inother embodiments the server system 430 may be remotely located (e.g., adata center, cloud system, etc.).

Server system 430 may provide, receive, collect, or monitor informationfrom the portable monitoring device 200, such as, for example, attempts,successes, compliance, elapsed time, desired air volume, minimuminspired air volume, maximum inspired air volume, and the like. Serversystem 430 may be configured to receive or send such information viacommunication media 420. This information may be stored in storage 434and may be processed using processors 436. In some embodiments, someinformation may be removed from the information gathered, for example,metadata, envelopes, IP addresses, personally identifying informationand/or other information. For example, processors 436 may include ananalytics engine capable of performing analytics on information thatserver system 430 has collected, received, or otherwise interacted with,from the portable monitoring device 200. In embodiments, server 432,storage 434, and processors 436 may be implemented as a distributedcomputing network or as a relational database or the like.

Server 432 may include, for example, an Internet server, a router, adesktop or laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a processor, acomponent, or the like, and may be implemented in various forms,including, for example, an integrated circuit or collection thereof, aprinted circuit board or collection thereof, or in a discretehousing/package/rack or multiple of the same.

In embodiments, server 432 directs communications for portablemonitoring device 200 over communication media 420. Server 432 mayupdate information stored on portable monitoring device 200. Server 432may send/receive information to/from the portable monitoring device 200in real time or sporadically. Further, server 432 may implement cloudcomputing capabilities for the portable monitoring device 200.

FIG. 5 illustrates example computing component 500, which may in someinstances include a processor/controller resident on a computer system(e.g., portable monitoring device 200). Computing component 500 may beused to implement various features and/or functionality of embodimentsof the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. With regard tothe above-described embodiments set forth herein in the context ofsystems, devices, and methods described with reference to FIGS. 1through 4, including embodiments involving portable monitoring device200, one of skill in the art will appreciate additional variations anddetails regarding the functionality of these embodiments that may becarried out by computing component 500. In this connection, it will alsobe appreciated by one of skill in the art upon studying the presentdisclosure that features and aspects of the various embodiments (e.g.,systems) described herein may be implemented with respected to otherembodiments (e.g., methods) described herein without departing from thespirit of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term component may describe a given unit offunctionality that may be performed in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present application. As used herein, a componentreference a module, and/or may be implemented utilizing any form ofhardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or moreprocessors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logicalcomponents, software routines or other mechanisms may be implemented tomake up a component. In embodiment, the various components describedherein may be implemented as discrete components or the functions andfeatures described may be shared in part or in total among one or morecomponents. In other words, as would be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art after reading this description, the various featuresand functionality described herein may be implemented in any givenapplication and may be implemented in one or more separate or sharedcomponents in various combinations and permutations. Even though variousfeatures or elements of functionality may be individually described orclaimed as separate components, one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand upon studying the present disclosure that these features andfunctionality may be shared among one or more common software andhardware elements, and such description shall not require or imply thatseparate hardware or software components are used to implement suchfeatures or functionality.

Where components of the application are implemented in whole or in partusing software, in one embodiment, these software elements can beimplemented to operate with a computing or processing component capableof carrying out the functionality described with respect thereto. Onesuch example computing component is shown in FIG. 5. Various embodimentsare described in terms of this example-computing component 500. Afterreading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled inthe relevant art how to implement the application using other computingcomponents or architectures.

Referring now to FIG. 5, computing component 500 may represent, forexample, computing or processing capabilities found within aself-adjusting display, desktop, laptop, notebook, and tablet computers;hand-held computing devices (tablets, PDA's, smart phones, cell phones,palmtops, etc.); workstations or other devices with displays; servers;or any other type of special-purpose or general-purpose computingdevices as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application orenvironment. Computing component 500 might also represent computingcapabilities embedded within or otherwise available to a given device.For example, a computing component might be found in other electronicdevices such as, for example navigation systems, portable computingdevices, and other electronic devices that might include some form ofprocessing capability.

Computing component 500 might include, for example, one or moreprocessors, controllers, control components, or other processingdevices, such as a processor 504. Processor 504 might be implementedusing a general-purpose or special-purpose processing engine such as,for example, a microprocessor, controller, or other control logic. Inthe illustrated example, processor 504 is connected to a bus 502,although any communication medium can be used to facilitate interactionwith other components of computing component 500 or to communicateexternally.

Computing component 500 might also include one or more memorycomponents, simply referred to herein as main memory 508. For example,preferably random access memory (RAM) or other static or dynamic memory,might be used for storing information and instructions to be executed byprocessor 504. Main memory 508 might also be used for storing temporaryvariables or other intermediate information during execution ofinstructions to be executed by processor 504. Computing component 500might likewise include a read only memory (“ROM”) or other staticstorage device coupled to bus 502 for storing static information andinstructions for processor 504.

The computing component 500 might also include one or more various formsof information storage mechanism 510, which might include, for example,a media drive 512 and a storage unit interface 520. The media drive 512might include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removablestorage media 514. For example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive,a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a compact disc (CD) ordigital video disc (DVD) drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixedmedia drive might be provided. Accordingly, storage media 514 mightinclude, for example, a hard disk, an integrated circuit assembly,magnetic tape, cartridge, optical disk, a CD or DVD, or other fixed orremovable medium that is read by, written to or accessed by media drive512. As these examples illustrate, the storage media 514 can include acomputer usable storage medium having stored therein computer softwareor data.

In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism 510 mightinclude other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programsor other instructions or data to be loaded into computing component 500.Such instrumentalities might include, for example, a fixed or removablestorage unit 522 and an interface 520. Examples of such storage units522 and interfaces 520 can include a program cartridge and cartridgeinterface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or otherremovable memory component) and memory slot, a PCMCIA slot and card, andother fixed or removable storage units 522 and interfaces 520 that allowsoftware and data to be transferred from the storage unit 522 tocomputing component 500.

Computing component 500 might also include a communications interface524. Communications interface 524 might be used to allow software anddata to be transferred between computing component 500 and externaldevices. Examples of communications interface 524 might include a modemor softmodem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet, networkinterface card, WiMedia, IEEE 802.XX or other interface), acommunications port (such as for example, a USB port, IR port, RS232port Bluetooth® interface, or other port), or other communicationsinterface. Software and data transferred via communications interface524 might typically be carried on signals, which can be electronic,electromagnetic (which includes optical) or other signals capable ofbeing exchanged by a given communications interface 524. These signalsmight be provided to communications interface 524 via a channel 528.This channel 528 might carry signals and might be implemented using awired or wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel mightinclude a phone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link, anetwork interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired orwireless communications channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computerusable medium” are used to generally refer to transitory ornon-transitory media such as, for example, memory 508, storage unit 520,media 514, and channel 528. These and other various forms of computerprogram media or computer usable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device forexecution. Such instructions embodied on the medium, are generallyreferred to as “computer program code” or a “computer program product”(which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or othergroupings). When executed, such instructions might enable the computingcomponent 500 to perform features or functions of the presentapplication as discussed herein.

Although described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments andimplementations, it should be understood that the various features,aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individualembodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particularembodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied,alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the application, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentapplication should not be limited by any of the above-describedexemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The use of the term “component” does not imply that the components orfunctionality described or claimed as part of the component are allconfigured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the variouscomponents of a component, whether control logic or other components,can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and canfurther be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or acrossmultiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flor charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

The details of some embodiments of the systems and methods of thepresent disclosure are set forth in this description and in some cases,in other portions of the disclosure. Other features, objects, andadvantages of the disclosure will be apparent to one of skill in the artupon examination of the present disclosure, description, figures,examples, and claims. It is intended that all such additional systems,methods, devices, features, and advantages be included within thisdescription (whether explicitly or by reference), be within the scope ofthe present disclosure, and be protected by one or more of theaccompanying claims.

1. A method of performing incentive spirometry using a portablemonitoring device connected to an incentive spirometer, comprising:setting a desired air volume on the portable monitoring device;detecting via one or more sensors of the portable monitoring device aninspired air volume within an air chamber of the incentive spirometerthrough a user interface; determining whether the inspired air volumeexceeds or is equal to the desired air volume; and indicating on adisplay of the portable monitoring device whether the inspired airvolume exceeds or is equal to the desired air volume.
 2. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the desired air volume is based on a plurality ofmeasurements comprising at least one of sex, height, age, and weight. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the inspired air volumecomprises tracking displacement of a piston within the incentivespirometer.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the inspired airvolume further comprises tracking displacement of a piston within theincentive spirometer over a defined period of time.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the defined period of time is measurable in unitscomprising at least one of years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes,and/or seconds.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting anattempt threshold, wherein an attempt threshold comprises an air volumebetween 0 mL and the desired air volume; and determining whether theinspired air volume exceeds the attempt threshold.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising storing on a memory component of theportable monitoring device one or more of: the detected inspired airvolume; the desired air volume; one or more attempts, wherein an attemptoccurs when a piston of the incentive spirometer reaches or exceeds anattempt threshold; one or more successful attempts, wherein a successfulattempt occurs when the piston of the incentive spirometer reaches orexceeds the attempt threshold and reaches or exceeds the desired airvolume.
 8. A method, comprising: receiving a desired air volume througha user interface of a portable monitoring device; detecting an inspiredair volume over a period within an air chamber of an incentivespirometer, the incentive spirometer being operationally connected tothe portable monitoring device; determining whether the inspired airvolume exceeds or is equal to the desired air volume during the period;incrementing a counter each time the inspired air volume exceeds or isequal to the desired air volume during the period of time; summating aplurality of increments during the period of time; and displaying,through a visual indication at the portable monitoring device, anindication of the plurality of increments during the defined period oftime.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the desired air volume is basedon a plurality of measurements comprising at least one of sex, height,age, and weight.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein sensing the inspiredair volume comprises tracking displacement of a piston within theincentive spirometer
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the visualindication displays a plurality of parameters including at least one ofan attempt, a success, a compliance, a desired air volume, an elapsedtime, a maximum inspired air volume, and a minimum inspired volume. 12.A portable incentive spirometry monitoring device, comprising: a userinterface comprising a plurality of switches configured to enable a userto input and set a desired air volume, the desired air volume comprisinga goal for a patient to achieve based on a standardized air volume basedon one or more patient-specific parameters; a sensor measuring inspiredair volume in an incentive spirometer when said incentive spirometer isoperatively connected to the portable incentive spirometry monitoringdevice by tracking displacement of a piston within the incentivespirometer; a processor configured to: increment a counter each time thepiston is displaced up to or exceeding the desired air volume input;determine compliance by a patient inspiring air using the incentivespirometer based on a summation of successes of a period of time, asuccess indicated by a value of the counter; a display presenting avisual indication of the number of times the piston has been displacedup to or exceeding the desired air volume input; and a plurality ofconnectors disposed on a top of the portable incentive spirometrymonitoring device configured to mate with a base of the incentivespirometer.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The portable incentive spirometrymonitoring device of claim 12, wherein the sensor measures the inspiredair volume by tracking a time of flight of the piston through a lightsignal.
 15. The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device of claim12, wherein the sensor measures the inspired air volume by tracking thetime of flight of the piston through a sound signal.
 16. The portableincentive spirometry monitoring device of claim 12, wherein the displaypresents a plurality of parameters including at least one of a number ofattempts, a number of successes, a goal, an elapsed time, a maximumvolume, and a minimum volume.
 17. The portable incentive spirometrymonitoring device of claim 12, wherein the display is an LCD screen. 18.The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device of claim 12, whereinthe display is a plurality of LEDs.
 19. The portable incentivespirometry monitoring device of claim 12, wherein the portable incentivespirometry monitoring device is operationally attached to the incentivespirometer.
 20. The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device ofclaim 12, wherein the portable incentive spirometry monitoring device isoperationally detached from the incentive spirometer.